Rebecca Fung (text) and David Allan (illustrator), A Very Special Moon Mission, Christmas Press, July 2022, 80 pp., RRP $13.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780645378801
What happens when you visit a space station and accidentally launch a spaceship to the moon?
A whole of fun!
Best friends Phoebe and Elliott are mad about space, and when they are joined by the unpopular new girl at school, Julia, end up on an unexpected journey where they meet astronauts in training, an amazing rocket called The Obsession, and a cheeky supercomputer known as IMP. But eventually the fun wears off and they realise they need to get back home to Earth.
Rebecca Fung brings a sense of adventure and fun to A Very Special Moon Mission. Exploring not only outer space, she also delves into unexpected friendships, celebrates positive role models, overcoming fears, and reaching for dreams and the stars.
An entertaining read for lower primary, David Allan’s black and white illustrations add a visual element that suits the story, and although I would have loved to have seen a graphic of the IMP giggling, there is enough to keep readers engaged.
Scholastic has a great set of teaching notes for the classroom to explore themes such as friendship, astronauts, space travel, adventure and humour. There is a lot packed in, but it is a short, easy read, and will be enjoyed by middle graders who love space and a sense of adventure.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
